Terrence has given blood 75 times

A TIVERTON man who has donated blood at least 75 times has been recognised at a ceremony held at Bickleigh Castle.

Out of the four per cent of the eligible population who give blood, only three per cent ever manage to reach 75 donations and just one per cent reach 100.

Terrence Prynn first donated blood more than 40 years ago and has regularly done so ever since.

He received a crystal award at a ceremony held by NHS Blood and Transplant on Wednesday, January 23.

Mr Prynn said: "My parents encouraged me to start giving blood and my first blood donation was in 1965. I feel that if you are willing to accept blood then you should be willing to give blood."

Forty two long-serving donors were recognised at the ceremony.

Jonathan Sewell, lead donor relations manager at NHSBT, said: "We are so proud of all our blood donors and reaching the 75th or 100th milestone is definitely something to be proud of. These ceremonies are a great way for us to give something back to our donors."